Trump Denies Wanting To Fire Health And Human Services Secretary Alex Azar

President Donald Trump denied he wanted to fire Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Sunday. 

Trump tweeted that reports that he is going to fire Azar are false and accused the media of being “…desperate to create the perception of chaos & havoc in the minds of the public. They never even called to ask. Alex is doing an excellent job!”

Reports that H.H.S. Secretary @AlexAzar is going to be “fired” by me are Fake News. The Lamestream Media knows this, but they are desperate to create the perception of chaos & havoc in the minds of the public. They never even called to ask. Alex is doing an excellent job!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2020

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This comes after anonymous sources reported on Saturday that the White House was looking to replace Azar. Trump has privately shown frustration because of a lack of communication from Azar. 

White House officials were quick to deny rumors as well. 

Judd Deere, Deputy White House press secretary, told CNN, “The Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Secretary Azar, continues to lead on a number of the President’s priorities. Any speculation about personnel is irresponsible and a distraction from our whole-of-government response to COVID-19.”

Health and Human Services spokeswoman Caitlin Oakley added that Azar “is busy responding to a global, public health crisis and doesn’t have time for palace intrigue.”

Trump has previously expressed having a “great relationship” with White House officials who were eventually fired, such as Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. 

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